Skip to content

Our statement on Ukraine and cultural property protection

A close up of three acorns and oak leaves
An oak tree | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

The National Trust expresses deep concern as the conflict in Ukraine worsens, posing an immediate and urgent threat to civilian lives and irreparable harm to Ukraine’s extraordinary wealth of cultural heritage.

As the largest conservation charity in Europe, the Trust stands with UNESCO and those in the cultural and creative world in calling for the protection of Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage, and the respect of all involved for the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

With close to 1 million objects spread over 200 places, and many and varied archaeological sites of national and international significance, the Trust cares for one of the largest cultural heritage collections in the world.

We are committed to working in collaboration and partnership with fellow heritage bodies, our world family of heritage trusts and museum organisations to respect, protect, share and celebrate our diverse global cultural heritage for the widest possible public benefit.

The Trust recognises its responsibility in supporting the UK’s legal obligations to the 1954 Hague Convention, including helping with its understanding and promotion amongst the public, cultural heritage professionals, and military or law-enforcement agencies.

We extend our friendship to all those seeking to protect Ukraine’s people and history and to uphold international humanitarian law.

You might also be interested in

View of the ruins of Corfe Castle, lit in golden autumn sunlight, with a hill in the background
Article
Article

About the National Trust today 

Discover more about our legacy, people and values as a conservation charity. We protect historic places and green spaces while opening them up for everyone, for ever.

National Trust Council Chair, René Olivieri at the 2023 AGM
Article
Article

How we are run 

Discover how the National Trust is run, how our governance arrangements are underpinned by Acts of Parliament and how they are designed to support and challenge our staff.

Visitors take a photo beside flowering heathers at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, Derbyshire
Article
Article

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity 

We're committed to meeting the needs and expectations of a diverse society. Find out what we're doing to create an inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment for our supporters, staff and volunteers.

An aerial view of Hardwick Hall and estate, Derbyshire.
Article
Article

Our response to High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) at the places we care for 

Find out how we're playing our part to ensure that HS2 leaves a positive environmental legacy for everyone.